Merit Functional Foods has launched a new organic version of its Peazazz C protein, which is its first USDA-Certified Organic Protein ingredient.
 
Organic Peazazz C 850 is fully traceable from farm to finish, and is grown on Canadian soil with organic peas before it is produced at Merit’s Winnipeg-based facility. It provides plant-based food and beverage formulators with a strong profile of solubility, viscosity, texture improvement, low sodium, and a minimum of 85% protein, Merit said.
 
The protein, like all of Merit’s ingredients, undergoes a proprietary membrane filtration process which improves taste, texture, and nutrition.
 
“Organic protein is undoubtedly more laborious, as it requires stricter growing processes, stringent regulations, and unique filtration processes to get it right,” said Ryan Bracken, co-CEO of Merit. “For that reason, Certified Organic options are scarce in the market with limited availability. But because of the consumer demand for alternative protein sources, we have put in the work to make organic pea protein scalable, accessible, and the highest quality to meet this growing market. Our unique membrane filtration process makes this premium option possible, meaning that now, organic protein tastes and functions better than ever before.”
 
Organic crops are grown and processed in alignment with guidelines for soil quality, pest and weed control, additive use, and more.
 
“Many consumers link organic ingredients and sustainability, and both are important to the future of the protein space,” said Bracken. “All of Merit’s ingredients are grown and produced on the Western Canadian prairies, which means better sustainability through ha reduction in food miles traveled from field to table.”
 
Merit’s Organic Peazazz C 850 is USDA Certified Organic by Ecocert.
 
“A huge part of our commitment and reason for existence is not to just produce better performing plant protein ingredients, but also ones that are better for the planet,” said Bracken. “Our Certified Organic pea protein is just one way we’re doing that.”
 
Organic Peazazz C 850 is available for use in ready-to-drink beverages, protein bars, ready-to-mix protein powder, dairy alternatives, and more.